TOKYO/MANILA – Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday congratulated Sanae Takaichi on her election as Japan’s first female prime minister, calling her rise to leadership a testament to the country’s democratic values and commitment to representation.

MANILA – The Philippine government has begun selling rice at 20 pesos (about 52 yen) per kilo to jeepney and tricycle drivers, expanding President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s flagship food subsidy as rising grain costs continue to strain millions of households.

OSAKA – The Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka received the Silver Award for Exhibition Design and attracted more than 1.1 million visitors during the six-month event, organizers said.

TOKYO – Japan is sending additional emergency relief supplies to the Philippines to help communities affected by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Cebu on Sept. 30.